Canal Cruising

NAPTON ON THE HILL and FENNY COMPTON

Diane needed to replace her tiller pin which had performed a swan dive into the water when a line caught underneath it. She found one two days ago that had a deer on top at a small charming gift shop on the canal. While there she spotted a rocking chair pin at the same time which she really was taken with but did not purchase. This morning before we left, she walked over to the nearby marina shop. A rocking chair tiller pin was there waiting for her to take home.

Upon her return, Diane knocked on our boat and showed me a monkey’s knot kit that she found for her grandkids. I got my shoes on and walked over to purchase some, as well. Would be fun to do such a project with the little ones, and they could hang it on their backpacks.

The tiny store was also filled with huge rope woven buttons that are placed at the bow and stern of the narrow boats to help buffer bumps against other boats and banks. The craftsmanship was something to behold. I kept wishing I had brought my camera to capture the various shapes and sizes. While there, the rope worker walked in and talked to us about his craft. After listening to him about the process, the monkey knots might be a bit complex for Nana!

Mike and Diane needed a bit of help to break away from the ice this morning. David walked down to them with the pole and pushed the bow out for them. The Squire was slowly moving forward, and I asked if we could go behind The Duchess. I thought we were ready to push off, but we were still attached to the bank. I waved them on.

Friends on The Squire

I am uncomfortable not having Mike and Diane in our sites especially since their engine had been cutting out again. We fell quite a distance behind them through some very thick and challenging ice.

Eventually, the ice became thinner, and it was much more comfortable boating. Mike pulled over and let The Squire lead and then followed us. I was relieved.

The Squire came across some nasty ice and really struggled to get through. We all held back until he was clear. A short distance later, The Squire had pulled over, and Fi was on the phone with David Dare. As we passed, Adrian said that his boat was just not as efficient in the ice. Mike passed us both and again led the way.

Mike’s bow is a different shape and higher than ours and The Squire’s. We are thinking that those two factors make a difference when breaking the ice. Plus, Mike is fearless and a skilled driver.

We were feeling relief once turning on to the Oxford Canal and finally coming across some “easy ice”. But that all soon changed. Mike had to perform his ramming technique around some tight corners. Not fun. We only had one gentleman peer out of his boat and complain. All the other boaters either were taking poles to break the ice close to their boat to ease the force as we passed or asked questions about conditions. Many were anxious to break free themselves and some thanked us. One woman said they were desperate for water, and after talking with us, was telling her husband they finally had the chance to move.

We left at 9:00 this morning heading to Fenny Compton and did not see The Squire following at all today. We knew that they had a flight to catch on the 28^th and were probably going to have David Dare or an employee come pick them up wherever they decided to leave the boat. Someone then would be sent to drive the boat back to the marina. That is service. We are hoping they are fine wherever they may be.

We had 7 locks today. They were single boat locks with some distance between them so Diane and I had to follow our individual boats and could not help each other out very much. I was really feeling out of “lock condition”. It had been a while. We were fortunate that there was no ice in the locks this time. No occasion to pound our poles to break up accumulated ice to close or open gates. Lots of mushy muddy paths to walk, though.

We traveled 9 miles through beautiful countryside. Back on the Oxford Canal we encounter plenty of ranches, farms, horses, and sheep. We have been through this area in the sunshine and the shades of lush green on the hillsides and meadows are breathtaking, but today was gloomy grey. Also, had some tight turns today in solid ice which were challenging. We, of course, had it easier following Mike and Diane. Much to their chagrin, I am sure, they have become our official ice breakers and path finders. And a mighty fine job they are doing, too!

Mike and David have been concerned with our fuel levels. Plowing through ice uses much more fuel. David Dare suggested we check with the marina here in Fenny Compton to see if they were open tomorrow for fuel. Luckily, they are. Now David Dare does not have to make another fuel run for us. Full tanks will bring much relief.

Mr. Dare asked if we had seen The Squire and whether it had made it to Fenny Compton. Mike got out his drone and followed the canal back about a mile and saw no sign of them. Later after sunset we were in our boat playing cribbage and another boat with its tunnel light and interior lights on cruised slowly by. It was The Squire! We have never cruised at night. What a journey they must have had today.

We dined at The Wharf Inn and spotted Adrian and Fi, two weary travelers at a table. They are flying out to Paris on Saturday. We wish them well.

We got the OK to return on the 30^th to the marina in Lower Heyford. Our time was extended due to the ice conditions. There will be lots of packing and scrubbing in the next two days. We will gather together today to plan our last 3 nights. We are considering a stay in Oxford.

So you won’t be kept in suspense…Mike and I had a cribbage comeback last night. We are now tied with Diane and David.